A Longitudinal Analysis of Mortality Related to Chronic Viral Hepatitis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the United...

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Public Health
• Oncology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of cancer mortality in the US.
• Chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) remains a significant driver of HCC, despite effective antiviral treatments.
• The aging US population and evolving therapeutic landscape necessitate an updated assessment of CVH's contribution to HCC mortality.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the trends and demographic impact of CVH-related HCC mortality in the US from 1999 to 2020.
• To identify specific populations and geographic areas disproportionately affected by CVH-related HCC mortality.
• To inform public health strategies for reducing HCC-related deaths.

Main Methods:

• Utilized CDC WONDER database for mortality data (1999-2020).
• Employed age-adjusted mortality rates (AAMRs) standardized using the direct method.
• Analyzed mortality by demographics, social vulnerability, and temporal trends via log-linear regression.

Main Results:

• Identified 35,030 deaths related to CVH and HCC between 1999-2020.
• Overall crude mortality initially rose, then slightly declined; cumulative AAMR was 4.43.
• Higher mortality observed in males (7.70), Hispanic populations (6.72), and socially vulnerable counties (5.20) compared to least vulnerable (2.53).

Conclusions:

• CVH-related HCC mortality increased from 1999-2008, followed by stagnation.
• Disproportionate impact noted among males, Hispanic/Black populations, and in socially vulnerable counties.
• Findings support targeted interventions and resource allocation to mitigate HCC mortality in vulnerable groups.